Sustainability Leadership Fellowship Cohort: 2012-2013

Ph.D. Student, Department of Anthropology

Research Summary: The Pacific Islands have been predicted to be the most effected by climate change scenarios. The effects of climate change cannot be fully prevented (severe weather events, drought, warmer temperatures, ocean chemistry changes), but the damages can be lessened through education, preparation and environmental preservation. Educating island nations and communities of these changes and developing plans for food, water and shelter scarcities may be detrimental to avoiding future disasters. Additionally, intact ecosystems will provide an environmental buffer to help sustain both humans and biodiversity. Creating awareness and community discussions is the first step in stimulating more adaptable land management plans and subsistence strategies.